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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, allowing subscribers to play the game at no additional cost. This marks a significant shift for the series, prompting questions about its impact on consumers and Xbox’s business model. Although the full effects are yet to be determined, analyst Piers Harding-Rolls has shared his insights on the potential ramifications, including possible concerns for Sony.
In an article on GI.biz, Harding-Rolls suggested that offering Black Ops 6 on Game Pass would likely attract new subscribers and bring back former ones, with many opting for Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.
Despite the substantial cost to Microsoft, Harding-Rolls believes this move could be strategically advantageous over time. He highlighted several reasons why this could boost revenue, such as driving upgrades from Game Pass Console to Game Pass Ultimate, thereby increasing average revenue per user.
Harding-Rolls also noted that players might choose to buy more expensive versions of Black Ops 6 to gain early access, a strategy Activision has previously employed. Although details for Black Ops 6 are unconfirmed, it is likely the company will continue this practice.
Drawing a parallel to Starfield, Harding-Rolls mentioned Microsoft’s $35 upgrade option for early access, which proved successful and could similarly enhance premium revenue streams for Black Ops 6.
Additionally, he pointed out that Black Ops 6 will probably maintain Call of Duty’s extensive microtransaction model. While Microsoft might lose some premium game sales due to Game Pass, they could benefit from a larger audience for microtransactions.
On the PlayStation 5 front, Harding-Rolls acknowledged that PlayStation Call of Duty players would face some disruption, which poses a concern for Sony. However, he emphasized that Call of Duty’s free battle-royale game, Warzone, would mitigate this disruption, as not all revenue is tied to premium sales.
For gamers with both Xbox and PlayStation consoles, Game Pass might make Xbox the preferred platform for Black Ops 6 this year. However, thanks to multiplatform accounts, switching between consoles remains convenient.
Harding-Rolls added that PlayStation-first multi-console gamers might switch to Xbox for the premium campaign while continuing to play Warzone on their preferred console under a single Activision account.
Black Ops 6 is rumored to launch on October 25. More details, including the release date, are expected to be revealed at the Black Ops 6 Direct on June 9. Stay tuned to GameSpot for updates.
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